This study examines the extent to which agency-based models and asymmetric information theories explain dividend smoothing around the world. Tests on a cross-section of more than two thousand firms from twenty-four countries show that managers of firms with low market-to-book ratios and less...

Advances in Financial Economics Volume 19 deals with International Corporate Governance, particularly the role played by boards of directors, internal organization design and governance mechanisms, franchise agreements, the effect of regulation and policy, the market for corporate control, and...

Front Cover -- Global Corporate Governance -- Contents -- List of Contributors -- Financial Performance and the Competitive Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility -- Introduction -- Motives for Joining the Children's Food and Beverage Initiative -- Altruism -- Avoid Regulation -- Feel Good...